Research In Motion insiders have confirmed a November launch and the device name, Blackpad. Two unnamed sources have leaked information regarding the Blackpad, and have confirmed some specs on the device. The Blackpad should be about the same size as an iPad, which boasts a 9.7-inch screen, and will include WiFi, and Bluetooth features, which will allow connecting to a BlackBerry to access the internet. Add in front and rear-facing cameras, according to an analyst with Rodman & Renshaw Inc. in New York, a full touch screen, to rival the iPad, and a slide out QWERTY keyboard, and you have a pad to give Apple a run for its market share.

RIM is definitely rushing this pad to market, trying to keep pace with Apple. “They can’t wait for a second generation of devices from Apple or they’ll fall too far behind,” said Ashok Kumar, an analyst with Rodman & Renshaw Inc. Apple reported 3 million iPads sold in the first 80 days after its U.S. rollout. RIM will also have to wow consumers with its new Blackpad. William Power, an analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co., says, “With the success of the iPad, RIM faces an uphill battle, RIM really has yet to demonstrate that it can roll out touch screen technology to match the leaders in the space, most noticeably Apple.” With planned competition from Korea’s LG Electronics Inc, Hewlett-Packard Co, and Microsoft, RIM needs this Blackpad to be a real explosive device.

This is pretty exciting stuff. I really hope that the blackpad can rival the market leaders. Adperdue is 100 percent correct when he says that RIM has to wow then with this one. Hopefully us BlackBerry faithful won't be disappointed!Posted via mobile device